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Occupancy

Ages of children

Location

9/10

On the far eastern edge of the Waikiki strip, a block from the golden sands of Kuhio Beach — Hotel Renew straddles the best of both worlds. It has easy walking access to coffee shops, bars, restaurants and outdoor shopping malls as well as the quiet, green space in Kapiolani Regional Park.

Style & character

8/10

This nine-floor tower has no more than eight rooms per floor, keeping the experience intimate. The tiny lobby and bar nook, painted in dark grey, at first seems an abrupt transition from the sunny outside, but makes for a swanky gathering space in the evenings. From 5.30pm until late, guests mingle over a rotating menu of cocktail specials — there’s even a refillable mug ($20/£16) for beer discounts.

Service & facilities

6/10

Service at Renew is attentive and front desk staff appear genuinely engaged. Check-in includes fresh pineapple juice and a lemongrass chilled towel as well as fragrance selection for your room.

As long as your primary purpose is relaxation you’ll hardly notice the otherwise glaring omission of usual hotel facilities like a pool, fitness centre, and restaurant (considering the theme, though, a spa would be nice). Guests do receive free admission to the Honolulu Museum of Art and the Bishop Museum (transportation not provided). Limited on-site parking is by valet only ($25/£20 per day).

Bar

Wi-Fi

Rooms

7/10

Black, white and grey guestrooms with red bed throws are a refreshing change from the often-cliché beach décor of most Waikiki accommodations. Little reminders that you’re in Hawaii — tropical plant photographs, a copy of local art zine Abstract, and (for a fee) bottles of desalinated deep Hawaiian ocean water — are appreciated.

The squat building affords spectacular close-up ocean views from beyond the centerpiece dark window frames. In room 508, which lacks a balcony but has a helpful luggage bench just inside the door, you feel as though you’re hovering over the action on the beach. Brushed metal artwork, silver umbrellas (for the rare rainy day) and square raised-basin sinks are downright edgy.

Food & drink

5/10

An included continental breakfast of sweet and savory pastries, cereal, hardboiled eggs, and fresh squeezed juices (try the carrot-apple), is a rare bonus for a Waikiki hotel. The onsite bar’s signature cocktail is a martini with a tropical twist, cheekily named the maitini. For more substantive meals, you’ll need to venture out or call Waikiki Room Service, a third-party vendor that delivers from participating restaurants.

Access for guests with disabilities?

The front door has ramp access, the lobby lacks stairs and there is a single adapted room.

Family-friendly?

Guests are limited to two people per room, or three in the highest category rooms, and connecting rooms are not available. The contemporary ambiance (and lack of pool) lends itself to a mostly adult crowd, though there are complimentary Playstations, DVDs and beach toys available.